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Burke County, Georgia
Genealogy, History & Facts

Burke County, Georgia Facts

When was Burke County, GA Created?
Burke County was established on February 5, 1777 as one of seven original parishes (Originally organized as St George Parish. Burke County lost land to Screven County (1793), Jefferson County (1796), and Jenkins County (1905), added area to Richmond County (1841). ).

What is the County Seat of Burke County, GA?
The County Seat is located in Waynesboro and in the current county government website is www.burkecounty-ga.gov/

What counties are adjacent to Burke County, GA?
Bordering Counties are  Richmond CountyAiken County, SC, Barnwell County, SC (east-northeast), Allendale County, SC, Screven CountyJenkins CountyEmanuel CountyJefferson County

Burke County, GA Vital Records

Where can find Burke County Birth, marriage, Divorce and Death Records?
Burke County vital records can be found at the Georgia Department of Health which has copies for copies of birth and death records since Jan 1919, copies of marriage since June 9, 1952 to 1996 and a Divorce records index since June 9, 1952. There is a fee for each copy requested. Please refer to the information to the Statewide Vital Records in Georgia for current fees and application process.

You can search online for Burke County Birth, Marriage, Divorce or Death Records. You can also order Order Electronically Online or you can download an application for copies of Burke Co. Birth CertificateMarriage CertificateDivorce Certificate or Death Certificates to mail.

The Burke County Health Department can issue Birth, Marriage and Death certificates while you wait. Contact the Clerk of Superior Court for Divorce Records and the Probate Judge for Marriage Records.

Burke County, GA Census Records


What Burke County, GA census records are available?
There are many types of census records for Burke County guide you in researching your family tree. Federal Population Schedules are available for 1790-189019001910192019301940.

Burke County Slave Schedules can be obtained for 1850 & 1860. Burke County Mortality Schedules can be found for 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880. Burke County Industry and Agriculture Schedules can be obtained for 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880. Burke County Union Veterans Schedules can be obtained for 1890.

You can find free down-loadable and also printable census forms to help you with your research. See Also Georgia Census Records Research Guide

Burke County, GA Courthouse and Government Records

Burke County Courthouse

What genealogical records can I find in the Burke County Courthouse?

Researchers frequently overlook the great importance of Burke County court, probate, and land records data as a useful resource of ancestry and genealogy information. Buried away in Georgia courthouses and archives everywhere are the ambitions and frustrations of countless Georgia residents.

The possibilities are excellent that your forefathers have left a comprehensive document of at least a number of facets of their lives in the Burke County court records. Even if your forebears is not referred to in a Court case, contemplate all of the other procedures that could have lead to him or her to appear in court records. See Also Georgia Corthouse Records Research Guide.

Burke County, GA Societies and Family History Resources

What genealogical and historical societies, archives, museums, associations and libraries are available for Burke County, GA?
A list of Burke County Historical  and Genealogical Societies, Libraries, Archives. See also list of Georgia Archives, Genealogical and Historical Societies.

  • Burke County Archives Building
  • Burke County Genealogical Society, 403 Old Herndon Road , PO Box 1522 ; Waynesboro , GA 30830-2522 ; 706-554-2138. Meetings: The 2nd Monday of each month at 7:00 pm at the Waynesboro/Burke County Library.
  • Burke CountyHistorical Society, 536 S Liberty St ; Waynesboro , GA 30830-1557 ; Robert Hammond; (706) 554-4889. Meetings: The1st Mondaybi-monthly at 5:00 pm at Mobley’s Restaurant, Waynesboro, Georgia
  • Burke County Museum, 536 Liberty Street, Waynesboro, GA 30830; ph: (706) 554-4889, Has Exhibits, guided tours, tour of homes, educational activities, and preservation of historic building. Types of Collections: Photographs and newspapers; mid-19th century home, furniture, tools, and equipment, Civil War weapons, archaeological objects, and American Indian artifacts.Extensive genealogical data is available regarding Burke County Georgia families. Founded in 1970. Curator is Robert L. Hammond. Hours: M-F 8 -4, Weekends and Holidays by appointment.
  • Georgia State Archives – 5800 Jonesboro Road, Morrow, GA 30260; 678.364.3700
  • Georgia Historical Society, 501 Whitaker Street, Savannah, GA 31401
  • Georgia Genealogical Society , P.O. Box 54574, Atlanta, Georgia 30308-0575

Where can I connect with other Burke County, GA Researchers through message boards and forums?

What other genealogical resources are available in Burke County, GA?
The following links to Genealogy Resources associated to Burke County. These links fall into 3 categories: Business Sites, Personal Sites or Organization Sites. Some have free access some have to have a cost. This is basically a list that has been gathered or submitted. I do not recommend or promote one genealogy site above another.

Facts for Burke Co. GA Books, Newspapers & Publications

Facts for Burke Co. GA Cemeteries & Church Records

Facts for Burke Co. GA Family Websites, Pictures & Histories

Facts for Burke Co. GA General and History Websites

Facts for Burke Co. GA Maps, Atlases & Gazetteers

Facts for Burke Co. GA Military Records